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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Embark on an 8-day Lemosho Route New Year trekking expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning with a scenic approach through undisturbed rainforest and continuing across heath, moorland, and alpine desert. This route includes time for acclimatization on the Shira Plateau, a visit to the Lava Tower, and the dramatic ascent via Barranco and Barafu camps. Summit day brings a pre-dawn climb to Uhuru Peak, with magnificent sunrise views near Stella Point over Mawenzi Peak. The adventure ends with your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you collect your summit certificate.
Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities. We then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival, we begin hiking through the undisturbed forest as the trail winds to the first campsite.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east across moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. The various Lent Hills offer different walking options, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin the day by climbing up a ridge and then head southeast toward the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. From there, we descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at nearly the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude benefits acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb brings us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here, we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend and continue straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us for the drive back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arusha.
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